Chapter 69

Chapter 68

Johwi smiled and took out the ledger from his bosom.

"Wow, you guys have really grown. This amount is almost comparable to what we transport to Jiangbei? It even exceeds the circulation in Hefei, doesn't it?"

Johwi spoke as if pronouncing a verdict to Sahuang, who was frozen in shock with wide eyes.

"What can we do about Hunan? Culture can't be contained, you know?"

"W-What do you mean by that?"

"Does our Zhaoguadashanghui's trading post exist alone in Jianghu? The goods we buy are also flowing into the black market in enormous quantities."

Johwi, with a meaningful smile, surveyed the subordinates of the Sichuan Assembly.

"Hunan, adjacent to Poyang Lake, has been the largest market for a long time. Just the secret shops I know in Hunan alone number over twenty. Although they are expensive, you can taste the culture of Zhaoguadashanghui anywhere by paying two to three times the regular price. Hey, what's that black stain? It looks like ink."

As Johwi pointed with his finger, a man, terrified, covered his collar with his hand.

"No, it's not that?"

"It looks like it is?"

Sahuang began to tremble.

"These bastards...!"

Enraged, Sahuang initiated an unexpected search of personal belongings.

"Xianweixieshi and his subordinates, search their inner pockets and bags right now!"

The faces of the subordinates standing in the hall turned pale.

What was this sudden bolt from the blue?

Their assembly leader had already considered Zhaoguadashanghui as an enemy and had even rallied ronins.

If the leader discovered that they were consuming Zhaoguadashanghui's goods, it would be a serious matter. This act would be seen as aiding the enemy and would certainly result in severe punishment according to the assembly's strict rules.

"Ah, no!"

"Please spare me!"

"I have committed a capital offense!"

The subordinates of the Sichuan Assembly fell to the ground, prostrating themselves.

A secret bottle of Hanbing liquor hidden in their inner pockets.

Precious slices of meat wrapped in paper, saved for special occasions.

A small bottle of Qingshui, still cool to the touch.

Countless Zhaoguadashanghui goods were pouring out from the subordinates' pockets.

Jin Xihan, the general manager, stood frozen, his face ashen.

Sahuang, the leader of the Sichuan Assembly, with his gray beard trembling, was barely suppressing his anger.

And even Tiankuai, who had closed his eyes tightly!

Johwi, with a satisfied look, folded his arms and spoke again, as if he had expected this.

"Culture can't be contained, you know?"

His smile was tinged with mischief.

"Do you understand the true intention behind my proposal now? I just wanted to consider the financial situation of your subordinates who are buying these things in the shadows at high prices. Wow, all from the black market? How much does it cost? You'd have to spend your entire monthly salary on a bottle of Hanbing liquor, right?"

Tiankuai was so disheartened that his inner energy was even becoming disordered.

What he feared the most was already happening, and it weighed heavily on his heart.

It was all over.

No matter how many rules and regulations he imposed on his subordinates, or even on all of Hunan, he couldn't suppress the culture that had deeply penetrated their bodies and minds.

After all, the desire for food and drink is not something that can be suppressed.

For some time now, Xiao Jianxin had been observing the scene with a detached gaze, his face devoid of expression.

To Tiankuai, Xiao Jianxin seemed like an omnipotent being observing the creatures of the world.

To him, the current chaos was all within the boundaries of the culture he had spread.

The culture he had created was not only taking the hearts of the enemy but also causing such internal turmoil. The mental satisfaction he must be feeling was indescribable.

Xiao Jianxin, in Tiankuai's eyes, was a clear victor.

At that moment, Johwi pointed at Tiankuai with three fingers.

"Thirty percent."

"..."

The agreed-upon price for the silk had dropped to less than half.

The amount was even lower than what he had initially proposed.

Jin Xihan bit his lip until it bled.

"No matter what, I can't accept such a low price!"

"Then let's end this nonsense. Negotiation breakdown! Clean and simple is best. Jiaxi, knock them out quickly!"

"Okay, big brother!"

Tian Qiansha, who was already exhausted and slumped, looked at Jiaxi, who was about to strike his neck, with blurred eyes.

"Wait!"

Sahuang stepped in front of Johwi with a fierce cry, his steps as swift as lightning.

Johwi's indifferent eyes turned to him.

"Really... What now?"

"I accept! Thirty percent!"

Jin Xihan screamed.

"No, Master, you can't!"

Of course, Jin Xihan could read the leader's mind.

While he might not want to let his mortal enemy slip away, if his subordinates, or even all of Hunan, had already been infiltrated by Zhaoguadashanghui's culture, he had no choice.

Though he would hate to admit it, it would be more advantageous to bring Zhaoguadashanghui's goods out of the black market.

He believed that lightening the financial burden on his subordinates was the best course of action in the current situation.

The most worrying thing was that Xiao Jianxin, the madman, could go in any direction.

So far, it seemed that he had not directly distributed goods in Hunan's black market, considering the Sichuan Assembly's stance.

But if things went awry?

Without going through the trading posts, his profits would be enormous.

If that actually happened, the leader of the Sichuan Assembly would be bedridden for at least half a year.

Jin Xihan's thoughts were confirmed by Johwi's words.

"I was planning to supply goods directly to the black market dealers, but it's a shame. I have to give up this business of sweeping silver with a hook."

Sahuang gritted his teeth.

"Thirty percent! I'll give you the exclusive rights! I'm serious about helping your expansion into Poyang Lake."

"Are you really disappointed? Of course. I must help you, of course."

Sahuang felt a chill as if he were putting his head into the mouth of hell, but he had no choice but to believe Johwi's words.

At that moment, Tiankuai's indifferent voice was heard.

"We know exactly how the Black Heaven Alliance fell."

Johwi smiled.

"You might be worried about suddenly blocking the flow of goods, but as long as the Sichuan Assembly doesn't plot behind the scenes like the Black Heaven Alliance, that won't happen. I'll specify this in the contract."

"Fine. From now on, all matters related to the pact should be discussed with the general manager."

Thus, the tedious negotiations between General Manager Jin Xihan and Xiao Jianxin began.

Naturally, there were numerous debates over each clause of the pact.

They were fiercely opposing each other, using countless justifications and logic to realize their respective interests.

Watching these endless debates, Tiankuai could only marvel.

Most of the debates were won by Xiao Jianxin.

Tiankuai realized for the first time that Jin Xihan, known for his brilliant mind, could look so foolish.

'Jianghu will now revolve around this guy.'

Why do such geniuses always appear in the orthodox factions?

Although the secret sword master, Ahai, cherished by Sahuang, was a genius, his talent was limited to martial arts.

But Xiao Jianxin felt like a different species altogether.

A person should have at least one weak point, but even his seemingly arrogant face looked tactical...

"The draft is almost complete."

He pretended to wipe the sweat from his forehead as if he had gone through a great ordeal, but there wasn't a single drop of sweat on Johwi's forehead.

"Bring it over."

Following Sahuang's order, General Manager Jin Xihan respectfully presented the draft.

"This... This...!"

The more Sahuang read the draft, the more he was speechless.

"Are you really calling this an agreement now?"

General Manager Jin Xihan bowed deeply and immediately prostrated himself, begging for forgiveness.

"Sichuan Assembly General Manager Jin Xihan. I resign from all positions and request to return to the leader."

Sahuang's anger flared even more at Jin Xihan's sudden action, taking responsibility and resigning as general manager.

Tiankuai's stern voice was heard.

"I don't blame the general manager. Stand up."

Tiankuai looked at Johwi indifferently again.

"So, now that you've achieved your goal, do you feel satisfied?"

"Satisfied? Not at all. I feel rather disappointed. I made a lot of concessions."

Sahuang's face, holding the draft and trembling, became even more distorted.

Damn! Is this a concession?

If he hadn't made concessions, how selfish could this guy be?

But Sahuang couldn't voice his thoughts.

After all, it was still just a draft, and it wouldn't take effect until both parties stamped it.

If that madman tore up this draft, he would suffer even more.

Therefore, he had to be cautious in his words and actions.

Moreover, he couldn't act recklessly before getting his hands on Tian Qiansha.

"Hmm. Although it's a shame, let's proceed this way. After all, in a transaction, both parties should benefit."

Ah, I really want to find a rough stone and scrape this guy's face off.

As Johwi stamped the draft with Zhaoguadashanghui's seal, Sahuang pointed at Tian Qiansha with a fierce look.

"Can I take this guy now?"

"Jiaxi, what are you doing? Hand over the ashes."

"Okay!"

Whoosh!

Jin Jiaxi's Blood Saber, like a nimble snake, extended and bound Tian Qiansha's entire body.

Tian Qiansha, dragged pitifully like a miserable beast, met a truly tragic end as one of the four great masters of the evil sect and the leader of a powerful force.

"Lock this bastard in the underground prison immediately!"

Tian Qiansha, who had fallen from grace to become a mere meal for the Sichuan Assembly.

Jin Jiaxi, looking at the ashes' final moments, felt her eyes well up with tears, thinking of the innocent children of long ago.

The poor, pitiful children who had never had a chance to bloom before fading away in the world.

For some time now, when she stood on the ridge and looked at the sky, the faces of those children appeared more often than those of her parents.

Xiaoyong, Yuling, Xiyun...

And the most pitiful of all, our Wuxue.

'Children, you can now rest in peace.'

The sorrow that Jin Jiaxi had carried throughout her life came to a close.

"I will return to Zhaoguadashanghui and wait for news. Farewell."

As Johwi turned to leave with a respectful bow, Tiankuai called him back.

"My business is not yet finished."

Johwi frowned and turned around.

"Why? The negotiations were clearly concluded smoothly."

"I want to confirm your martial prowess."

"Huh?"

An unexpected request for a martial arts match!

Jin Jiaxi's eyes widened.

"Old man! You might die!"

Tiankuai chuckled.

"If I can end this tedious life through a martial arts match, it would be a glorious thing."

Johwi's face was filled with awkwardness.

"I can't."

Honestly, he had no confidence in subduing him with his current level of mental energy.

He was at least at the end of the Absolute Realm.

His level was almost on par with Danchianyang of Zixia Sword City on Mount Hua in the past.

If his level was at the beginning of the Natural Realm, he couldn't subdue him without using the Three Spirits Fusion Technique.

The problem was that he couldn't use the Three Spirits Fusion Technique continuously.

Even if he recalled the imagery of the Black Hole at the time, it was uncertain whether the same powerful sword technique would appear.

It was impossible for a martial artist to use an incomplete martial technique in actual combat, so Johwi had to think deeply.

Moreover, even if he used it, he wasn't confident in handling its immense destructive power.

If Tiankuai couldn't withstand it, not only the Sichuan Assembly headquarters but also the entire Yuelu Mountain would be destroyed.

"Is the great Xiaojianxin running away?"

Johwi scratched the back of his head.

"Um... I... I don't have the confidence. I really don't."

"You don't have the confidence?"

Tiankuai's expression was one of disbelief.

Xiaojianxin was the direct disciple of the legendary sword god, the leader of a powerful force, and a man who had the divine emblem inscribed on his body, considered the greatest swordsman of his time.

Was his ambition as a leader too weak?

"No, that's not what I mean. I don't have the confidence to win without killing."

"What, what?"

That's right, this madman!

Xiaojianxin, or rather, this little devil, was not the type to utter such weak words.

An infinite power surged from Tiankuai's body.

"Ridiculous!"

Rumble—

An overwhelming force erupted from him.

In terms of pure inner energy, it was more formidable than any martial artist Johwi had ever encountered.

How much cultivation must one undergo to generate such power in a human body?

"Damn!"

Just when he thought it was the end, Tiankuai's fierce waves became even stronger.

Was this even human power?

This was the kind of power one might feel from a celestial being's magic.

Sipa Huang?

Freeze!

Sahuang felt like a child in comparison.

Was it even possible for him to have a higher reputation than the leaders of the four great sects?

If the Sichuan Assembly was like this, how much more powerful were Shaolin and Wudang?

There were countless high monks and Taoists in Shaolin and Wudang who had severed ties with the secular world and spent their lives cultivating in the mountains.

The same was true for Mount Hua!

Indeed, the number of extraordinary people in Jianghu was like grains of sand, and Johwi was once again awed by the depth of Jianghu.

"Look."

The tangible energy from Tiankuai enveloped the entire headquarters of the Sichuan Assembly.

"Since you have been so arrogant to me, who claims to be at the Human-Transcendent Realm, you must demonstrate a corresponding level of skill."

Johwi sighed deeply.

"Old men, really."

A purple ghostly flame burned in his left eye.

A white light radiated from his right eye.

Johwi's figure flickered like lightning.

Jiang Biwu, biting his lip until it bled, could only see the countless flashes of lightning and sparks in the air and the resonating metallic sounds.

A speed that could not be followed by human vision.

Was this really an exchange of blows between human beings?

Even if one focused on speed, the power should be reduced, but in the confrontation between the absolute masters of Jianghu, it seemed to be different.

With each clash, a tremendous shockwave shook the surroundings.

The buildings and structures were shattered and flattened by the shockwaves.

Could the martial artists remain unscathed?

The leaders of the Sichuan Assembly had already gathered in one place, forming a defensive formation to withstand the shockwaves.

Even those who had reached the Fire Realm would be torn apart internally by the shockwaves if they didn't connect their inner energy to form a defensive formation.

At that moment, a question flashed through Jiang Biwu's mind.

Why am I unscathed?

Looking around, he saw that Jin Jiaxi and Yan Shangluo were also safe.

Jiang Biwu turned his head back to the scene of the confrontation, feeling a chill.

Could they be neutralizing the shockwaves affecting their comrades with their own mental energy, even while engaging in such a terrifying battle?

Is that even possible?

R, really a madman!

Suddenly, a crack appeared in the confrontation, and Johwi and Tiankuai retreated to face each other.

Swoosh—

With the illusion of dozens of figures sliding, Tiankuai revealed his complete form.

It was the Huanshi Youlingbu, the best footwork of the evil sect.

Tiankuai frowned.

"Is this all you have, Xiaojianxin?"

When the martial artists of Jianghu praised Johwi as a god, it meant that his worth and divine aura had been proven.

However, Tiankuai was deeply disappointed.

"How can you be so relaxed while facing me, Tiankuai?"

Johwi's act of dividing his mental